Kim Jong Il

=== 2008 reports ===
In an August 2008 issue of the Japanese newsweekly ''[[Shūkan Gendai]]'', [[Waseda University]] professor Toshimitsu Shigemura, an authority on the [[Korean Peninsula]],<ref name="SundayTimes 20080907">{{cite news|last=Sheridan|first=Michael|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4692472.ece|title=North Korea 'uses doubles to hide death of Kim'|work=The Times|date=7 September 2008|access-date=5 December 2008|location=London|archive-date=11 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911065831/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4692472.ece}}</ref> claimed that Kim died of [[diabetes]] in late 2003 and had been replaced in public appearances by one or more stand-ins previously employed to protect him from assassination attempts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=N Korea's Kim died in 2003; replaced by lookalike, says Waseda professor|url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/north-koreas-kim-died-in-2003-and-was-replaced-by-lookalike-says-waseda-profesor|date=23 August 2008 |access-date=5 June 2023 |website=Japan Today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914164922/http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/north-koreas-kim-died-in-2003-and-was-replaced-by-lookalike-says-waseda-profesor |archive-date=14 September 2008}}</ref> In a subsequent best-selling book, ''The True Character of Kim Jong Il'', Shigemura cited apparently unnamed people close to Kim's family along with Japanese and South Korean intelligence sources, claiming they confirmed Kim's diabetes took a turn for the worse early in 2000 and from then until his supposed death three-and-a-half years later he was using a wheelchair. Shigemura moreover claimed a voiceprint analysis of Kim speaking in 2004 did not match a known earlier recording. It was also noted that Kim did not appear in public for the [[2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|Olympic torch relay]] in Pyongyang on 28 April 2008. The question had reportedly "baffled foreign [[intelligence agencies]] for years".<ref name="SundayTimes 20080907"/>

On 9 September 2008, various sources reported that after he did not show up that day for a military parade celebrating North Korea's 60th anniversary, United States intelligence agencies believed Kim might be "gravely ill" after having suffered a stroke. He had last been seen in public a month earlier.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/nation/28048604.html |title=North Korea's Kim Jong Il may be gravely ill, jeopardizing progress on halting nukes |author=Pamela Hess and Matthew Lee |work=Star Tribune |date=10 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911223358/http://www.startribune.com/nation/28048604.html |archive-date=11 September 2008 |access-date=19 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

A former [[CIA]] official said earlier reports of a health crisis were likely accurate. North Korean media remained silent on the issue. An [[Associated Press]] report said analysts believed Kim had been supporting moderates in the foreign ministry, while North Korea's powerful military was against so-called "Six-Party" negotiations with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States aimed towards ridding North Korea of nuclear weapons. Some United States officials noted that soon after rumours about Kim's health were publicized a month before, North Korea had taken a "tougher line in nuclear negotiations". In late August North Korea's official news agency reported the government would "consider soon a step to restore the nuclear facilities in [[Nyongbyon]] to their original state as strongly requested by its relevant institutions". Analysts said this meant "the military may have taken the upper hand and that Kim might no longer be wielding absolute authority". By 10 September, there were conflicting reports. Unidentified South Korean government officials said Kim had undergone surgery after suffering a minor stroke and had apparently "intended to attend 9 September event in the afternoon but decided not to because of the aftermath of the surgery". Kim Yong Nam said, "While we wanted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country with general secretary Kim Jong Il, we celebrated on our own". Song Il Ho, North Korea's ambassador said, "We see such reports as not only worthless, but rather as a conspiracy plot". Seoul's ''Chosun Ilbo'' newspaper reported that "the South Korean embassy in Beijing had received an intelligence report that Kim collapsed on 22 August".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j2zReXndGtxbEQ9gsY3SWxImKHHw |title=NKorean leader suffered stroke: Seoul intelligence |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=9 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910201948/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j2zReXndGtxbEQ9gsY3SWxImKHHw |archive-date=10 September 2008}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported on 9 September that Kim was "very ill and most likely suffered a stroke a few weeks ago, but United States intelligence authorities do not think his death is imminent".<ref>{{Cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216142545/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=8&key=2008091021|title=KBS Global|archivedate=16 December 2008|website=english.kbs.co.kr}}</ref> The [[BBC]] noted that the North Korean government denied these reports, stating that Kim's health problems were "not serious enough to threaten his life",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/09/nkorea.kim|title=Mystery has surrounded Kim Jong Il|publisher=CNN|date=10 September 2008|access-date=7 May 2010|archive-date=1 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801185744/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/09/nkorea.kim/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7607513.stm|title=N Korea insists Kim is not unwell|work=[[BBC News]]|date=10 September 2008|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-date=19 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219132754/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7607513.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> although they did confirm that he had suffered a stroke on 15 August.<ref name="time-stroke">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1840419,00.html |title=N Korea: Kim Had Brain Surgery |author=Jae-Soon Chang |magazine=Time |agency=Associated Press |date=11 September 2008 |access-date=11 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913235534/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C1840419%2C00.html |archive-date=13 September 2008}}</ref>

[[File:Kim Jong-il 2011-5.jpg|thumb|left|Kim at a meeting during his visit with Dmitry Medvedev in August  2011]]
Japan's [[Kyodo News]] agency reported on 14 September, that "Kim collapsed on 14 August due to stroke or a [[cerebral hemorrhage]], and that Beijing dispatched five military doctors at the request of Pyongyang. Kim will require a long period of rest and rehabilitation before he fully recovers and has complete command of his limbs again, as with typical stroke victims". Japan's ''[[Mainichi Shimbun]]'' claimed Kim had occasionally lost consciousness since April.<ref>{{cite news|title=N. Korean Kim Having Trouble Using Limbs|url=http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=%2FST%2Fdb%2Fread.php%3Fidx%3D7245|newspaper=The Seoul Times|access-date=19 December 2011|archive-date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730112944/http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=%2FST%2Fdb%2Fread.php%3Fidx%3D7245|url-status=live}}</ref> Japan's ''[[Tokyo Shimbun]]'' on 15 September, added that Kim was staying at the Bongwha State Guest House. He was apparently conscious "but he needs some time to recuperate from the recent stroke, with some parts of his hands and feet paralyzed". It cited Chinese sources which claimed that one cause for the stroke could have been stress brought about by the United States delay to remove North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080915/4/3p21c.html |title=Kim Jong Il Out of Public View as Major Holiday Passes |access-date=16 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216141736/http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080915/4/3p21c.html |archive-date=16 December 2008 }}. Yahoo! News. 15 September 2008.</ref>

On 19 October, North Korea reportedly ordered its diplomats to stay near their embassies to await "an important message", according to Japan's ''[[Yomiuri Shimbun]]'', setting off renewed speculation about the health of the ailing leader.<ref name="kore_NKDi">{{Cite web | title = NK Diplomats on Standby for Important Announcement | first = Michael | last = Ha | work=[[The Korea Times]] | date = 19 October 2008 | access-date = 12 April 2017 | url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/116_32932.html | archive-date = 12 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412144143/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/116_32932.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

By 29 October 2008, reports stated Kim suffered a serious setback and had been taken back to the hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/report-sparks-more-speculation-on-kim-jong-ils-health-26488213.html|title=Report sparks more speculation on Kim Jong Il's health|work=Irish Independent|date=29 October 2008|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-date=25 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625062801/http://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/report-sparks-more-speculation-on-kim-jong-ils-health-26488213.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported that Japanese Prime Minister [[Taro Aso]], on 28 October 2008, stated in a [[parliamentary session]] that Kim had been hospitalized: "His condition is not so good. However, I don't think he is totally incapable of making decisions". Aso further said a French [[neurosurgeon]] was aboard a plane for Beijing, en route to North Korea. Further, Kim Sung-ho, director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in a closed parliamentary session in [[Seoul]] that "Kim appeared to be recovering quickly enough to start performing his daily duties".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/asia/29kim.html|title=Kim Jong-Il Hospitalized but at Helm, Japan Says|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Norimitsu|last=Onishi|date=29 October 2008|access-date=7 May 2010|archive-date=16 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416132316/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/asia/29kim.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Dong-a Ilbo]]'' newspaper reported "a serious problem" with Kim's health. Japan's [[Fuji Television]] network reported that Kim's eldest son, [[Kim Jong-nam|Kim Jong Nam]], traveled to Paris to hire a neurosurgeon for his father, and showed footage where the surgeon boarded flight CA121 bound for Pyongyang from Beijing on 24 October. The French weekly ''[[Le Point]]'' identified him as Francois-Xavier Roux, [[neurosurgery]] director of Paris' Sainte-Anne Hospital, but Roux himself stated he was in Beijing for several days and not North Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/monde/asie/0,,4141229,00-le-chirurgien-francais-dement-tout-visite-a-kim-jong-ii-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101025832/http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/monde/asie/0%2C%2C4141229%2C00-le-chirurgien-francais-dement-tout-visite-a-kim-jong-ii-.html |archive-date= 1 November 2008 |title=LCI, Corée du Nord: Le chirurgien français dément toute visite à Kim Jong II |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 December 2011, Roux confirmed that Kim suffered a debilitating stroke in 2008 and was treated by himself and other French doctors at [[Pyongyang]]'s Red Cross Hospital. Roux said Kim suffered few lasting effects.<ref>[http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=760393&publicationsubcategoryid=200 French doctor confirms Kim had stroke in 2008] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604030538/http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=760393&publicationsubcategoryid=200 |date=4 June 2016 }} (Associated Press via PhilStar), 19 December 2011.</ref>

On 5 November 2008, the North's Korean Central News Agency published 2 photos showing Kim posing with dozens of [[Korean People's Army]] (KPA) soldiers on a visit to military Unit 2200 and sub-unit of Unit 534. Shown with his usual [[bouffant]] hairstyle, with his trademark sunglasses and a white winter parka, Kim stood in front of trees with autumn foliage and a red-and-white banner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/media/ALeqM5ikrDW2BrCj5Y3MTang70ZE_smGwQ?size=s |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216143354/http://afp.google.com/media/ALeqM5ikrDW2BrCj5Y3MTang70ZE_smGwQ?size=s |title=JPG image|via=Google News |agency=Agence France-Presse|archivedate=16 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gBLJIU2BX0waPQyOREz9HYBInH8g |title=French brain surgeon admits visiting Pyongyang: report |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228010936/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gBLJIU2BX0waPQyOREz9HYBInH8g |archive-date=28 December 2009}}</ref><ref>JPG image, archived from{{cite web|url=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/04/nkorea.kim.ap/art.korea.ap.jpg |title=cdn.turner.com (CNN, 2008) |access-date=5 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105154112/http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/04/nkorea.kim.ap/art.korea.ap.jpg |archive-date=5 November 2008 }}  or{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/05/xin_472110505145550016711.jpg |title=news.xinhuanet.com |access-date=5 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218005538/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/05/xin_472110505145550016711.jpg |archive-date=18 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/05/content_10310320.htm|title=Kim Jong Il watches army training|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=5 November 2008|access-date=11 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311071223/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/05/content_10310320.htm|archive-date=11 March 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' questioned the authenticity of at least one of these photos.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5101905.ece|title=Kim Jong Il: digital trickery or an amazing recovery from a stroke?|work=The Times|location=London|date=7 November 2008|access-date=7 May 2010|first=Fiona|last=Hamilton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108012129/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5101905.ece|url-status=dead |archive-date=8 November 2008}}</ref>

In November 2008, Japan's [[Tokyo Broadcasting System|TBS TV network]] reported that Kim had suffered a second stroke in October, which "affected the movement of his left arm and leg and also his ability to speak".<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AA0GS20081111|title=Kim Jong-il had possible second stroke|work=Reuters|date=11 November 2008|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109012654/https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AA0GS20081111|url-status=live}}</ref> However, South Korea's intelligence agency rejected this report.<ref name="reuters.com"/>

In response to the rumors regarding Kim's health and supposed loss of power, in April 2009, North Korea released a video showing Kim visiting factories and other places around the country between November and December 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7988096.stm|title=Video of Kim Jong-il|work=[[BBC News]]|date=7 April 2009|access-date=19 December 2011|archive-date=6 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106111755/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7988096.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, [[United States diplomatic cables leak|leaked diplomatic cables]] purportedly attested that Kim suffered from [[epilepsy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/8166248/WikiLeaks-US-referred-to-Mahmoud-Ahmadinejad-as-Hitler.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/8166248/WikiLeaks-US-referred-to-Mahmoud-Ahmadinejad-as-Hitler.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=WikiLeaks: US referred to Ahmadinejad as 'Hitler'|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=28 November 2010|access-date=30 December 2010|location=London |first=Peter|last=Hutchison}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

According to ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', Kim was a [[Chain smoking|chain-smoker]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kim Jong-il – the high life of an evil dictator|first=Janet|last=Fife-Yeomans|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/kim-jong-il-the-high-life-of-an-evil-dictator/story-e6freuy9-1226226187550|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 December 2011|access-date=20 December 2011|quote=When North Korea's Dear Leader, the chain-smoking Kim Jong-il, 69, died on Saturday|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107025927/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/kim-jong-il-the-high-life-of-an-evil-dictator/story-e6freuy9-1226226187550|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Grand People's Study House 08.JPG|thumb|Portraits of Kim Jong Il and [[Kim Il Sung|his father]] in the [[Grand People's Study House]] in [[Pyongyang]]]]